Your Home
Knowing what to do in a fire and keeping a cool head
could save your life and help you save others.
Read advice from the experts on what to do if a
fire breaks out.
Fire safety outdoors
Whether you're camping or caravanning, cruising our lochs and isles or just enjoying a barbecue, this section gives you essential information on protecting against fire.
Quick links on this page:
Barbecues
Cooking with a proper barbecue is safer than using an open fire but you still need to take care:
- site barbecues in the open, well away from fences, bushes, trees and garden furniture
- secure lighter fluids and blocks and put them away - well away - before lighting
- never throw lighter fluid or any flammable liquid on a lit barbecue
- if you're using a disposable barbecue, place it on a concrete or stone slab, not on the grass
- never light a barbecue indoors or in a tent
- coals remain hot for a long time and can start fires - douse with water when you're done.
Camp fires
Learning how to make and use a camp fire safely is an essential skill for anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors.
Make sure your camp fire stays safe:
- always make sure you have a clear escape route to safety
- build it on a cleared earth site for extra safety, dig a fire pit - fill it in before you leave
- build it at least 10 metres (30 feet) downwind of any tent
- build it to collapse inward as it burns away
- never walk away from a camp fire ' not even for a few seconds
- keep a watch for sparks
- never light a fire in a wooded area or on peat soil - the ground beneath could be set alight
- never leave hot ashes ' always drench with water or cover with soil
Tents
Camping is fun for all the family. Guard against fire and keep it that way.
Tents are usually made of material that can easily catch fire:
- always space tents at least 6 metres (20 feet) apart
- never smoke in or near tents
- never use candles in or near tents
- never store or use flammable liquids in or near tents
- keep gas containers outside tents
- never use gas appliances in small tents
If you're using gas appliances in larger tents:
- place them on a fireproof base, such as a flat stone
- place them well away from items that catch fire easily, such as sleeping bags and clothing
- place them clear of draughts
- place them where they cannot be knocked over
- consider having a portable fire extinguisher to hand
- consider having a fire blanket to hand
Caravans, motor homes and boats
Many of the same rules about fire safety in the home also apply to caravans, motor homes and boats.
Having a fire while you're away from home, possibly miles off the beaten track, can be even more terrifying:
- make a Fire Action Plan.
- never leave children or pets alone in a caravan or boat
- fit and maintain a dry powder fire extinguisher, fire blanket and smoke alarm
- make sure everyone knows where fire fighting equipment is at the site/marina.
Before you set off
Fire safety equipment '
- change the battery in the smoke alarm, the alarm, and vacuum the casing inside and out
- check that your fire extinguisher has been serviced
- check that you have a fire blanket.
Electrical system '
- check that cables and fittings aren't showing signs of wear or damage
- check that circuit breakers are working
- make sure the battery is secured in a well ventilated locker
- make sure electrical appliances are secured.
Gas supply '
- check that hoses aren't perished or cracked
- use soapy water to check for leaks
- make sure the pilot light is working
- check the cooker and heater controls
- make sure that cylinders are secured in a well-ventilated locker above the water line, or secured on deck away from hatches
- make sure gas appliances are secured.
Under way:
While travelling, make sure that the gas supply is disconnected and gas appliances are turned
off.
When you're refuelling -
- turn off all cooking, heating and lighting appliances
- close all doors/hatches to keep out flammable vapours
- extinguish cigarettes and all naked flames
- mop up any spillage
- refuel on shore, never on board.
Don't carry spare petrol unless it's essential -
- if you must carry spare petrol, store a limited supply only in approved containers
- make sure that all containers are secured.
In a fire
- get everyone out/on deck quickly
- take fire extinguishers on deck/outside with you
- call the fire service/coastguard
- only tackle the fire if it's safe to do so
- seal off vents and hatches to reduce air getting in
- If possible, isolate petrol and gas
- never go back into the caravan/cabin
- in a boat, prepare to use the dinghy or life raft
Further information
For further information and advice on home fire safety, contact your local community fire and rescue service.
You can also download the following information leaflets:
Download On the open road ' or all at sea? - Boating and caravanning safety leaflet (PDF - 110Kb)
Download A breath of fresh air? - Camping and outdoors safety leaflet(PDF - 114Kb)
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